Harrison Bettoni becomes youngest Wigan FA Cup scorer this century | OneFootball

Harrison Bettoni struck late to seal a memorable FA Cup third-round win for Wigan Athletic, as the League One side edged past Championship side Preston North End 1-0 at Deepdale.

The 18-year-old proved the difference with 15 minutes remaining, cutting inside from the right before firing a left-footed effort that deflected off substitute Andrew Hughes and looped into the net. It was Bettoni’s fourth goal of the season and enough to upset a Preston side pushing for promotion from the Championship.

The match itself offered little in the way of clear chances for long spells, but Bettoni’s moment of quality ultimately settled the tie.

The goal also earned Bettoni a place in Wigan’s history books. At 18 years, five months and 17 days old, he became the youngest player this century to score for the Latics in the FA Cup.

In doing so, he surpassed James McCarthy, who was 19 years, one month and 22 days old when he scored in Wigan’s 4-1 win over Hull City during the 2009/10 campaign.

Third on the list is Thelo Aasgaard, who was 19 years, eight months and seven days old when he netted a late winner in Wigan’s 3-2 FA Cup victory over Blackburn Rovers in the 2021/22 season.

In the fourth round, Ryan Lowe's side will face a daunting trip to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal.